Running down myths on jogging shoes

RUNNERS who buy expensive sneakers could be wasting their money.Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found there is no scientific evidence to support claims that specially designed joggers help prevent injuries.The findings have been published in the latest edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.Researcher and general practitioner Craig Richards, who is a runner himself, said he was inspired to do the study after sustaining a series of injuries in his own expensive joggers."I would have been only running 50 to 60 kilometres a week, which is not a large mileage," he said."I recovered from one [injury] and got another one."Dr Richards and his team found there was no published research that showed running shoes that controlled how much the foot rolled in and had elevated cushioned heels helped prevent injuries.In fact, Dr Richards said there was some evidence that modern runners actually contributed to problems."[Some] shoes are specially designed to make you land on your heel and that's very artificial," he said."That may impair balance and makes you prone to ankle strains, so the acute injuries are relevant as well."He said the research would have implications not only for runners but also health professionals, manufacturers and retailers.Scott Munro, of Scott Munro Personal Training in Broadmeadow, said the cost of a shoe was not a major factor but said proper support and cushioning was important.